Cats can sometimes do the strangest things, such as chew cardboard. They love boxes and anything made out of cardboard. There’s something infinitely fun about boxes, tubes, and more made from cardboard. The material has some hold on a cat’s mind, and they just can’t seem to leave it alone!
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While chewing cardboard can be fun, eating cardboard may be another matter for your cat. Has your cat eaten some cardboard? As you worried the cardboard will make your cat sick? If so, then you’ve come to the right place.
In this article, we’ll take a look at cardboard and whether or not it can make your cat sick. Let’s get started!
What is Cardboard?
Cardboard, sometimes referred to as corrugated cardboard, is a material that’s made from paper pulp and cellulose. The resulting material is strong and light, making it ideal for cardboard boxes and so much more.
Some other benefits of cardboard include that it’s recyclable, renewable, reusable, and more. There are also several types of cardboard, which can be used in many ways.
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Cardboard is also a material that is much loved by cats! But why do cats eat cardboard? Can cardboard make cats sick?
Cardboard & Cats
As to why cats may choose to eat cardboard, there’s no one answer to that question. Some cats may just be having fun and accidentally ingest the material. Other cats may have a prey drive, which ends in them eating the cardboard after it’s been “caught.” In other instances, it’s possible for a cat to eat non-food items due to a condition called pica.
The good news is that cardboard is not toxic to cats; however, it’s still not a good thing when a cat eats this material. If your feline companion eats a small piece of cardboard, chances are he will be just fine. The small piece of cardboard will pass harmlessly through his digestive tract and come out in his poop.
On the other hand, if your cat eats a large amount of cardboard, this could develop into a serious medical condition. The condition is called an intestinal obstruction. When a cat eats a large amount of cardboard, the material can form into a clump that blocks the digestive tract. The blockage can happen anywhere between the stomach and the intestines. If this condition is left untreated, it can lead to death.
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Ask a Vet Live NowSymptoms of an Intestinal Blockage in Cats
You may notice these symptoms in your cat if he’s eaten cardboard:
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain/swelling
- Lethargy
- Lack of interest in food or drink
- Weight loss
- Drooling
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
If you notice any of these symptoms in your cat, call the vet immediately. This is a medical emergency. Your cat needs treatment as soon as possible.
The good news is that your cat will make a complete recovery if he receives prompt medical care. Calling your vet as soon as possible could save your cat’s life.
Julie
Julie is a graduate of the University of North Carolina, Wilmington, where she studied Animal science. Though contrary to the opinion of her parents she was meant to study pharmacy, but she was in love with animals especially cats. Julie currently works in an animal research institute (NGO) in California and loves spending quality time with her little cat. She has the passion for making research about animals, how they survive, their way of life among others and publishes it. Julie is also happily married with two kids.
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